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Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-12-23 13:36:09Z
2 months ago
Previous (2025-12-23 13:06:11Z)

Situation Update (1335 UTC Dec 23, 2025)

Key updates since last sitrep

  • (13:27, PS ZSU, HIGH): High-speed target detected in eastern Kharkiv region, moving west; likely missile or high-velocity loitering munition.
  • (13:25, Rybar, LOW): UNCONFIRMED: Russian sources claim Andreyevka (East Zaporizhzhia/Dnepropetrovsk border) is "free" (captured). Corroborates earlier MoD claims but lacks visual confirmation.
  • (13:10, Colonelcassad, HIGH): Kinetic impacts in Kremenchuk (Poltava region) by Geran-2 UAVs confirmed with visual evidence of damage.
  • (13:11, Poddubny, MEDIUM): RF Su-34 airstrikes confirmed near Vilcha (Kharkiv), supporting earlier reports that the settlement has fallen to the RF "North" grouping.
  • (13:22, PS ZSU, HIGH): Inbound UAV swarm detected from the north, vectoring toward Brovary (Kyiv outskirts).
  • (13:13, Operativnyi ZSU, HIGH): Ukrainian government announces "Motor Sich 2.0," a systemic initiative to simplify the relocation and restoration of defense production facilities.
  • (13:07, Mash na Donbasse, LOW): UNCONFIRMED: Claims 60,000 residents in Kherson region (RF-occupied) are without power following a UAF strike.
  • (13:10, Filolog, MEDIUM): RF internal reports indicate the appointment of Mr. Vaganov as the commander of the newly formed RF Unmanned Systems Troops.

1. SITUATION OVERVIEW

The operational environment is currently dominated by a sustained, multi-axis aerial campaign. The RF is utilizing a "high-low" mix of slow Geran-2 UAVs and high-speed targets to saturate UAF Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS). Kinetic impacts in Kremenchuk indicate a successful penetration of rear-area defenses. On the ground, the situation in the Kharkiv sector has stabilized into a localized RF advantage following the capture of Vilcha. Concurrently, the RF is pushing narratives of a breakthrough toward the Dnepropetrovsk administrative border (Andreyevka), though these remain tactically unverified. Environmental conditions (-11°C) continue to prioritize energy infrastructure as a strategic target for both sides.

2. ENEMY ANALYSIS

Threat Assessment:

  • Capabilities & Intentions: The RF is increasingly integrating Su-34 tactical aviation for close air support in the Northern sector (Vilcha) while maintaining long-range drone pressure on Kyiv (Brovary) and Poltava (Kremenchuk).
  • C2 Adaptations: The reported appointment of Vaganov to lead "Unmanned Systems Troops" (13:10) suggests the RF is formalizing its drone doctrine, likely aiming to centralize FPV, reconnaissance, and long-range strike assets into a single command structure to improve coordination.
  • Tactical Maneuver: The claim on Andreyevka (13:25) by Rybar aligns with the 29th Army's westward push. If true, this indicates an intent to bypass the heavily fortified Donbas line by swinging through the Zaporizhzhia-Dnepropetrovsk border regions.

3. FRIENDLY FORCES (UAF)

  • Force Posture: UAF is maintaining a high state of air defense readiness. The alert in Brovary (13:22) suggests a focus on protecting the capital's eastern approaches.
  • Defense Industrial Base (DIB): The "Motor Sich 2.0" initiative (13:13) is a critical strategic pivot. By simplifying the relocation of high-tech defense manufacturing, Ukraine is attempting to "harden" its DIB against the ongoing missile/UAV campaign by decentralizing production.
  • Economic/Social Stability: The government's move to delay water tariff increases (13:13) reflects a priority on maintaining internal morale and social stability during the winter energy crisis.

4. INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT

  • Russian Information Ops: RF channels (WarGonzo, 13:26) are aggressively recruiting drone operators for the "Somali" Battalion, indicating a high attrition rate or a massive expansion of drone units in the Donbas.
  • Hybrid Operations: The blockade of WhatsApp (13:12) has drawn official condemnation from Meta, signaling a deepening rift between Western tech platforms and RF internal security measures.
  • Internal RF Stability: The arrest of former Rosatom official Sakharov (13:19) for bribery indicates ongoing "purges" or internal power struggles within Russia’s strategic industrial sectors.

5. PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS

  • Most Likely Course of Action (MLCOA): RF will continue to vector UAVs toward the Brovary/Kyiv corridor to force the depletion of UAF SAM stocks. Simultaneously, KAB (Guided Bomb) strikes in Sumy (13:07) suggest the opening of a secondary suppression phase to prevent UAF reinforcements from moving toward the Kharkiv/Vilcha sector.
  • Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA): A high-speed missile strike (potentially leveraging the target detected at 13:27) hitting a high-value command center or energy node in Kharkiv or Kyiv while air defenses are distracted by "Geran" swarms.
  • Sector Outlook: Expect increased RF pressure on the Huliaipole-Andreyevka axis as the "Vostok" group attempts to validate their claims of a breakthrough into the Dnepropetrovsk region.

6. INTELLIGENCE GAPS & COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Andreyevka FLOT Status: Urgently require GEOINT/SIGINT to confirm if RF forces have established a permanent presence in Andreyevka or if this is a "grey zone" incursion.
  2. Kremenchuk Impact Assessment: Detailed BDA (Battle Damage Assessment) required for the sites hit at 13:10. Determine if the strike affected oil refining or power distribution.
  3. Vaganov Profile: Intelligence on Vaganov’s previous command history and tactical preferences to anticipate changes in RF drone employment.
  4. Kherson Blackout: Verify the 60,000-person power outage in Kherson via local HUMINT or satellite thermal imaging to assess the impact of the reported UAF strike.

//REPORT ENDS//

Previous (2025-12-23 13:06:11Z)

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